Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Community Church of Durham, UCC
An Open and Affirming Congregation
June 2019 Volume 49 No. 5
The Chronicle
Inside this issue:
Feeding the Hungry 2
Summer Schedule 3
Lectionary/Gallery 4
Business Office Update 5
Fourth Century Fund 6
Library/Meditation 7
Calendar 8
Durham Pride 9
SMALL TALK
First, a heartfelt thank you for your
congratulations and generosity upon
the awarding of my doctoral degree.
From the first moment I joined you
here in Durham, I’ve felt at home and
that’s due to your wonderful and wel-
coming energy. This truly is an open
and affirming congregation!
It seems that summer finally sur-
rounds us and offers time for person-
al renewal. I’m looking forward to
attending some baseball games and
to reading just for fun. If you’re a
reader, and I hope you are, I’d love
to know what your summer reading
list included. Here’s mine:
When: The Scientific Secrets of Per-
fect Timing by Daniel Pink
Instructions for a Funeral by David
Means
The Most Fun We Ever Had by Clare
Lombard
The Editor by Stephen Rowley
The New Girl by Daniel Silva
One Good Deed by David Baldacci
Pole to Pole by Michael Palin
The American Agent by Jacqueline
Winspear
and as ever, Jane Eyre by Charlotte
Bronte
As the program year shifts to the
slower pace of summer, think about
the blessings we share as Community
Church. In this quieter church sea-
son, we have a chance to reflect on
the past year as we anticipate and
gear-up for the next.
Summer gives us a time for recrea-
tion; it does not give us a vacation
from being the Church. There is too
much to do, too much at stake in our
community and in our nation to kick
back for a couple of months and
watch the world go by. Worshipping
together is one of the best ways to be
renewed for all that will unfold in the
days, weeks, and months ahead.
Gathering in community as the
Church keeps us connected to one
another, to the Spirit, and to the vi-
sion of justice and righteousness that
we must embrace if we are to make a
difference. That is what the long,
green season after Pentecost is all
about: empowering us to be the fol-
lowers of Jesus in the world. So,
come to worship at 9:00 a.m. in July
and August; participate in PRIDE on
June 22 in Portsmouth; learn more
about justice and equality; read,
think, talk and Be the Church!
May these days of warmth and light
fill you with joy and peace.
Faithfully,
Jill
LOOKING AHEAD:
JUNE 3: FAMILIES FIRST FOOD
DROP OFF, KITCHEN, 3PM
JUNE 4: MGI, LIBRARY, 4:30PM;
SPIRITUAL NURTURE, LIBRARY,
5:30PM
JUNE 6: MEN’S GROUP, LIBRARY,
8AM; EFF, LIBRARY, 7PM
JUNE 8: LOUIS KANDLE VIOLIN
RECITAL, F. HALL, 2:00PM
JUNE 9: GALLERY POETRY READING,
MEZZANINE, 2:00PM
JUNE 10: DOCUMENTARY: STONE-
WALL UPRISING, CHAPLE, 6PM
JUNE 11: STEWARDS, OFFICE,
6PM; GREEN TEAM, LIBRARY, 7PM
JUNE 12: WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY,
PARLOR, 10AM
JUNE 13: JUSTICE & WITNESS,
LIBRARY, 6PM
JUNE 15: NEW MEMBER BREAK-
FAST, F. HALL, 9AM; MINAKO MER-
RITT PIANO RECITAL, F. HALL, 3PM
JUNE 18: COUNCIL MEETING, LI-
BRARY, 7PM
JUNE 20: EQUINOX MINI RETREAT,
PARLOR, 5PM
JUNE 22: ART GALLERY SET UP,
MEZZANINE, 9AM
Page 2 The Chronicle
Monday June 3rd is an opportunity to provide a meal for Families First
in Portsmouth. The main dish will be Sandwiches (tuna, chicken, egg, or
ham salad), milk, green salad, fruit and bars or cookies for dessert.
Please prepare enough for 10 people. The sign-up sheets for food or
delivery are posted in Fellowship Hall. Please drop off food in the kitch-
en by 3pm on June 3rd.
A special thank you to Beth Cilley for many years of leading
CCD’s outreach in feeding the hungry through Families First.
Families First Fun Night will be on a summer break for the months of
July and August. The Families First coordinator, Allie Dillon, will be
moving back to her home state of Maine. We wish Allie and her family
the very best.
For questions - Contact Fran Houlihan 749-6607
FEEDING THE HUNGRY
FAMILIES FIRST
Outdoor Multigenerational Service on June 16!
We will meet at 10am on Church Hill Lawn, overlooking Mill Pond as we share Commun-
ion and celebrate the gifts of nature. Invite a friend or neighbor and come worship to-
gether! In case of inclement weather the worship service will be held in the Sanctuary.
Please bring a lawn chair or blanket if you are able, and don’t forget those sunglasses.
Interested in learning more/joining CCD?
Two opportunities are on the calendar!
1) Come to a one-session introduction on June 15th
from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, with a continental-style
breakfast. We'll welcome you into membership on
July 14th.
2) Come to the two-session model for about an hour
after worship on September 29th and October 6th;
folks will join on October 13th.
June 2 is Confirmation and Communion Sunday! We celebrate
our new confirmands and their commitment to our church.
Congrats to the Class of 2019!
Austin Lowell has graduated with a BS degree in Computer Science from Purdue University.
Katie Ellis has graduated from UNH with a Graduate Certificate in Data Science.
Gwyneth Crossman will be graduating from Phillips Exeter Academy, and Alana Ervin, Carola Davis,
and Emma Hilary Gould will be graduating from Oyster River High School this month!
Best wishes as you continue to grow and use the gifts and talents God has given you!
Thanks to donors of
leftover containers for
Dover Friendly
Kitchen.
The supply will carry
us through the fall!
The Men’s Fellowship Group typically
meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the
month at 8:00 am in the Church Library.
All men of the community are welcome to
come and discuss spiritual and other topics
of interest.
Next meetings are 6/6, and 6/20.
Page 3 Volume 49 No. 5
Please note that during July and August, our Worship begins
at 9 am in the Sanctuary.
There are sign-up sheets in Fellowship Hall to volunteer to
greet and to host Fellowship Hour during the summer months.
In July and August we keep Fellowship Hour simple by
serving cold drinks and cookies. Thank you for contrib-
uting to our Church Community by greeting or hosting
Fellowship Hour!
Office Hours in July and August:
Tuesday-Thursday, 9 am—1 pm
DON’T TAKE A VACATION FROM YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE! JOIN US WHEN YOU CAN! ALL ARE WELCOME!
SUMMER MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES
WITH SUMMER ALMOST HERE, WE ARE LOOKING AHEAD TO OUR CHANGE IN WORSHIP TO 9:00AM.
DURING THE SUMMER, WE ALSO GIVE THE CHOIR A VACATION, SO WE INVITE OTHERS TO OFFER
MUSIC. DO YOU PLAY PIANO, GUITAR, FLUTE, SING SOLOS, HAVE A GROUP YOU SING WITH?
PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE AND SIGN UP FOR A SUNDAY IN JULY OR AUGUST.
THANKS TO ALL WHO WILL ADD TO THESE SERVICES BY SHARING THEIR GIFTS OF MUSIC.
Djembe Drums We are
happy to announce that the
church has purchased some
djembe drums! We are
looking for all ages, (9-99),
who would be interested in
playing together for a few
weeks to prepare to share at
our June 16th end of church
school year Worship Service.
Would you let Kristin know if
you are interested? We think
the group will be gathering
for about an hour after or
before church service.
Volunteers Needed! Join us at our church table for Portsmouth PRIDE! We
need help with set-up, handing out church rainbow swag, and clean-up from
12-5pm on Saturday, June 22nd. Shift volunteering is great. You can also
wear your rainbow colors and join in the PRIDE parade. Line-up starts at
12pm. Super fun! Hope you can join us. Please RSVP to Kristin in the office.
Page 4 The Chronicle
LECTIONARY BIBLE READINGS FOR JUNE 2019
June 2: Breaking Chains
Acts 16:16-34
Psalm 97
Revelations 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21
John 17:20-26
June 9: Gathered and Scattered
Acts 2:1-21
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
Romans 8:14-17
John 14:8-17, (25-27)
June 16: Wisdom Calls
Proverbs:8:1-4, 22-31
Psalm 8
Romans 5:1-5
John 16:12-15
June 23: In God’s Presence
1 Kings 19:1-4, (5-7), 8-15a and Psalm 42, 43
Isaiah 65:1-9 and Psalm 22:19-28
Galatians 3:23-29
Luke 8:26-39
June 30: Pick up the Mantle
2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, 19-21 and Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20
1 Kings 19-:15-16, 19-21 and Psalm 16
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Luke 9:51-62
Please note that our 9am Sunday morning Bible Study
continues in the church parlor through the month of
June. We take a break in July and August and will
resume in September.
GALLERY NEWS
Poetry (and Prose) Reading in the Gallery on Sunday, June 9th
On Sunday, June 9th, at 2:00 p.m., the Gallery
Group will host a poetry (and prose) reading on
the theme Who is Our Neighbor? in the gallery.
The gallery backdrop will provide a sea of images
that suggest human diversity and caring, which is
also the theme for the reading. We welcome all
perspectives, personal, spiritual, political, or all
three at once—in works that you have written, or
writings that you have read and cherish. Humor
is, as always, also welcome. Refreshments will be
served.
New Gallery Art Show “What/If” Will Go Up on June 22nd
Our summer to early fall exhibit should be a pro-
vocative one. “What if” asks the question how we
see ourselves and the world—can we imagine a
better future? The show is inspired by the follow-
ing poem by Ganga White, founder of the White
Lotus Foundation:
What if our religion was each other?
If our practice was our life?
If prayer was our words?
What if the Temple was the Earth?
If forests were our church?
If holy water, the rivers, lakes and oceans?
What if meditation was our relationships?
If the teacher was life?
If wisdom was self knowledge?
If love was the center of our being?
We welcome images of nature, society, travel,
meditation, family, or whatever inspires you to
think about a better future. And we welcome art
work of all varieties. Please leave your pieces in
the office with Heather by not later than Thurs-
day, June 20th. Also please share your label-
related information with Carolyn Puffer carolyn-
[email protected]. If you have any questions,
don’t hesitate to email me at drogs-
[email protected]. (Moreover, we would ask
you to please pick up any art work from prior
shows that still remains in the parlor.)
Page 5 Volume 49 No. 5
Summer is almost upon us! Just like for families, there is a different rhythm at the Church during the
summer months. We have a more relaxed schedule and there is no church school in July and August.
Between vacations and staycations, many families do not come as often to worship. However, one
thing is constant in all months – your financial support to help sustain our mission and ministries!
One way to make your giving easy is to set up online giving through our church online service. I will
be available in coffee hour on Sunday, June 9 to demonstrate the app for a smart phone or the use of
our online portal through our website – http://ccdurham.org (click on the Donate Online link and you
can set up one-time or recurring donations). If you have any questions or want help at another time,
please let me know. It is actually quite easy to use and makes giving easy! Thanks again for your
gifts that help us sustain our programs and our facility. Dianne Thompson, Business Administrator
([email protected] or 868-1230)
FROM THE BUSINESS OFFICE—COMMUNITY CHURCH GIVES!
SUPPORTING THE WIDER CHURCH
The Community Church of Durham connects with the wider Church to make a difference! The first
building block in supporting the wider Church is through the Carroll-Strafford Association of the New
Hampshire Conference, UCC. The Association meets twice a year, provides programs, fellowship, and
educational events, holds the credentials of churches and clergy, and supports the work of the New
Hampshire Conference overall. As part of our covenantal joy, we support Carroll-Strafford Association
with dues of $11 per person.
We are asking members and friends to consider donating $11 to offset these costs rather than having
a line-item for Association dues. This raises awareness about our mutual ministry and gives each of
us the ability to impact the work of the wider Church directly.
It is time to update our Church's
Directory! It will be great to offer an
updated directory complete with
pictures and contact information to
our new pastor when one joins our
church family. Our new church
management software allows us to
create profiles of our members to
include customized information. We
would love to update our database to
include information about your
involvement within the church and
community as well as information
about your personal interests,
hobbies, and skills. Enjoy hiking?
museums? handy with tools?
interested in volunteer work? When
there is an event or need that
matches your interests and skills, we
can keep you informed. The sessions
for updates and pictures will be
Sundays from 11:30-12:30 and
some Mondays from 5:00-7:00
during June. The sessions are free and you will receive a digital copy of
your photo. Contact the church office
at 868-1230 or [email protected]
to schedule.
Page 6 The Chronicle
Another year of Bible Study has drawn to a close
and our last task is to decide on a topic or book
for next season. Mandy Armstrong gathered sug-
gestions at the last session and will bring her
feedback on a couple of the recommended books
to the June meeting scheduled for Wednesday,
June 12 at 10AM in the Parlor. Also mentioned
at the last meeting was the possibility of ending
with an off-site lunch at a restaurant after the
June meeting. If you would like to be part of this
celebratory lunch, please let Mandy (431-2406 or
[email protected]) or Sara Urban
(580-5399 or [email protected]) know so that a
reservation may be made.
As usual, all women are welcome to join us. No
preparation needed for this session! Please plan to
join us to share your thoughts and feelings with
other interested women.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
The Fourth Century Fund Building Community into the Future
Your gift will be matched by generous CCD members for the
first $63,000 given.
Why a Fourth Century Fund?
The Fourth Century Fund will create a new endowment to provide
Community Church with a modest and predictable income source. As the
Fund grows, so will the income and support for our Ministry and Mission.
That income will allow us to keep pace with inflation, to sustain and
eventually to extend our mutual mission and ministry, ensuring that what
you value here at Community Church continues.
Community Church welcomes every gift
of every size and is grateful for every
donor’s generosity.
Thank you!
Investing in
Ministry that Matters
to you
Education & Faith Formation
Justice & Witness
Spiritual Nurture
Stewardship
Bobcat Bolt & Kids
Fun Run, June 15,
Oyster River High
School
Save the date and get
ready for this wonder-
ful local event. This
road race and pancake
breakfast are in
memory of Josh and
Nate Hardy, sons of
Donna and Steve, with
proceeds of the day
going to Oyster River
Alumni Association, for
youth scholarships.
Check out the web-
site: bobcatbolt.com
and plan to run, vol-
unteer, eat, enjoy
great live music and
enjoy the company of
others. Pancake
breakfast is from 9-
11am, road race starts
at 9am sharp, kids fun
run starts at 10:15am.
The day holds some-
thing for everyone.
Don’t miss out on this
meaningful celebration
of what is best about
our community!
Page 7 Volume 49 No. 5
May has brought our Church Library an interesting
variety of titles! They are now ready for you to
check out.
Adult
Bible: Robertson, Anne, Rev. What is the Bible,
Leader’s Guide.
Church: Sunquist, Scott W. The Unexpected
Christian Century, The Reversal and Transformation
of Global Christianity, 1900-2000. Gift of Diane Mix.
Inspiration: Montgomery, Sy. How to be a good
Creature, a Memoire in Thirteen Animals, 2018
Religions: Brevilly, Elizabeth, et al. Religions of the
World, the Illustrated Guide to Origins, Beliefs,
Traditions & Festivals.
Psychological: Bowen, Will. A Complaint Free
World, How to Stop Complaining and Start Enjoying
the Life You Always Wanted. Gift of Pastor Jill Small.
Children
Loss/Grief: Higginbotham, Anastasia. Death is
Stupid.
Culture: Higginbotham, Anastasia. Not My Idea, A
Book About Whiteness
We thank Diane Mix, Pastor Jill and all anonymous
folks who enhanced our library collection with these
books.
The Library Committee
FROM THE LIBRARY
Staff at Community Church of Durham:
The Reverend Dr. Jill Small, Interim Pastor
Kristin Forselius, Education and Faith Formation Director
David Ervin, Music Director
Catherine York, Organist
Dianne Thompson, Business Administrator
Heather Curran, Office Administrator
Clark Williams, Building and Grounds Manager
Community Church of Durham • 17 Main Street • Box 310 • Durham, NH 03824
Phone: 603.868.1230
“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION OPPORTUNITIES — Community Church of Durham – June 2019
“You only have this moment.” Jon Kabat-Zinn
Summer Solstice Silent Mini-Retreat & Potluck. Thursday June 20, 6:00-8:30pm. Durham Community
Church Parlor. Meditative sitting, walking, and loving kindness practice. Bring your own eating utensils and
dishes and a simple vegetarian food to share. Teas, chairs, cushions, and backjacks provided. Donation
$10 or whatever. Come and enjoy the gifts of silence! All welcome! Yes, we are air-conditioned.
Stressed? Feel as if you are missing your life? Here’s help! Registration now open! Mindfulness-Based
Stress Reduction 8-week class -- Pre-registration required. – Tuesdays, 6/25-8/20, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Includes all-day retreat 8/10. No class 7/2. Come learn to notice each moment fully. This is the
foundational curriculum developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn and others at UMass Medical School’s Center for
Mindfulness. Mindfulness practices can help reduce stress, ease pain, and teach us how to live more fully
and vibrantly. Fee $250, payable after first class. Repeaters $200. Durham Community Church Parlor. Yes,
we are air-conditioned. Preregistration required.
Mindful Mondays at Noon – June’s topic: Mindfulness, Awe, and Aliveness. How often do you experience
awe in your life? Let’s wake up! This month we will explore our awareness, awe, and aliveness. Oh, wow!
Mondays 12:00-1:30 P.M., Durham Community Church Parlor. Donation $20 or whatever. All
welcome! Yes, we are air-conditioned.
No Wednesday Drop-in Meditation in June, July, and August
For info on all of above or to register contact [email protected]
Search and Call Update! Over the past several months the Search and Call committee has been
busy processing candidate profiles, generating a list of people to investigate more deeply, developing
engaging interview questions, conducting Skype interviews, seeking background information,
arranging for in-person visits, and having many prayer-filled discussions regarding who will become
finalists. We understand all are curious about the specifics of the interviewees, and about our process,
and about who will ultimately become our next minister. The Committee must assert confidentiality
on the specifics of these questions to protect the credibility of the search process and the candidates
involved. The search can be unpredictable so any forecast of a specific timeline would not be
appropriate. However, we're encouraged by the Spirit's guidance and we hope to present a candidate
sometime this summer. We appreciate your continued prayer and support as we move through the
process of calling our next minister.
Live Calendar Link HERE!
Community Church of Durham
United Church of Christ
17 Main Street, Box 310, Durham, NH 03824
Phone: 603.868.1230
Email: [email protected]
Website: CCDurham.org
